Holy Land Tour

Holy Land Tour

by

Sister Grace Vijaya Ts.

98

INDEX

2. Congratulations by Rev.Rachal J. Komanapalli

3. All about Holy Land

4. Brief history of Israel

5. Israel in the past

6. Important places of Jerusalem

7. Third Temple

99

FOREWORD

M

ost people dream of visiting the Holy Land. Some one said that ten days in the Holy Land

is equal to a semester in a Seminary. The most practical understanding of the Bible archaeology, history

and Geography will come to every one, who can view this book actually being there. It will explain the word

pictures.

It will benefit both to the traveller and the dreamer. Special thanks to the friends who offered

books to select matter and pictures. Many thanks to Dr.Deva S.Dandala, Editor, Spandana who took

great interest in publishing Holy Land Tour in our regional language, Telugu.

That book and the pictures attracted many to know about the tour of the Holy Land and were

greatly blessed in many countries of the world. I humbly praise God for that. This experience encouraged

me to write about the Holy Land tour in English. My special thanks to Acharya R.R.K. Garu & Dr.Deva

S.Dandala,and Spandana Offset Printer, David Dandala who took great care in printing this book, Brother

Ephraim Dandala and Vijay who worked with setting pictures etc., My Childhood friend Rev. Rachel

J.Komanapalli wrote a wonderful word about me and my books. My heart felt gratitude to her also.

I am sure that my husband Sri Sundara Rao Garu expressed his views about “The Legacy of

Gods people” which is his first book to exhault God’s name, and I congratulate him. My special thank to

Mr.D.S.Sundara Rao,for helping a lot to edit, correcting the matter with good suggestions. I can not forget

to thanks my Ganta brothers, Brother Peter Singh for he selected pictures for Holy Land, Brother Sudhakar

gave me nice suitable pictures from his vast collections. My youngest brother Babu Ganta visited us in

USA from Dubai and advised to my husband to put his thoughts in a book to reach many. May the Lord to

be praised through this book so that many may come close to Jesus to spread the Gospel and meet to

Lord Jesus.

Yours in Him,

Sister Grace Vijaya

100

I

ntroduction

If I forget you, O Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill, May my

tongue ching to the roof of my mouth, If I do not remember you, If I do not consider

Jerusalem my highest Joy. Psalm 137:5,6

Brief History: Many prophets prophesied that Messiah, Jesus Christ would

be born as King of Jews. Their prophecy was fulfilled when Christ was born to Mary in

Bethlehem. According to the above verses Jerusalem was a blessed city. It acquired

such a good name and fame due to King David and his son Solomon who constructed

God’s temple for His Glory.

God loved the Jews. According to the prophecies of many prophets Messaiah

would be born as King of Jews. The prophecies became true, Christ was born to

virgin Mary. He preached the Gospel; did Miracles; healed the sick; died on the cross

for the sins of humanity; the rose from the dead on the third day; talked to the disciples;

ate with them; and was taken up to live with God as everlasting son.

According to the prophecy, Jerusalem was destroyed and the Jews scattered

all over the world. But they would not be perished. The Lord promised that they would

be brought back. “When I bring them back from captivity, the people in the Land of

Judah and in its towns will once again use these words: “ The Lord bless you, O

righteous dwelling, O sacred mountain people will live together in Judah and all its

town- farmers and those who move about with their flocks. I will refresh the weary and

satisfy the faint”. (Jeremiah 31:23-25)

Proof of God’s Phophecy:

As Isaiah prophesied “Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your

children from the east and gather you from the West” (Isaiah 43:5). Accordingly God

brought them back. Israel Nation was founded. They got independence on May 14,

1948. Israelites came to live in their country from all parts of the world. By 1963 there

were 4 millions of Jews in Palestine. By 1963 they were 2,239,000. When they

celebrated the 30th Anniversary in 1978 some about 3,697,887 people were present.

Today the population of Israel is increased to great number.

A BRIEF RECORD OF ISRAEL IN THE PAST

Israel is a promised country. According to Genesis 12:1-3 God called Abram

from ‘Ur” and asked him to go to the land that He would show. Abram obeyed God’s

101

command. God changed his name to Abraham, the Father of many nations.Abraham

got his promised son Isaac who had two sons, Esau and Jacob, and when Jacob

struggled with God and God changed his name as Israel. Israel had 12 sons and they

were known as Isralites. Out of the 12 sons, Joseph became prominent in Egypt.

Thereby the children of Israel lived in Egypt for 400 years. God made Moses as the

leader of Israelites. Israelites, though led by Moses, Joshua brought them to Canan.

God appointed many Judges to guide and rule Israel. On their request of Prayer

God made Saul as the first King of the Israelites in 1040 BC. Later, in 1010 BC David

was annointed to rule Israelites.

Solomon, the son of David, built the temple of God in “Jerusalem, his capital.

The country was divided into two due to Solomon’s sin after his death, ten plus two

tribes. Later the temple of Jerusalem was destroyed and Jews were captivated. After

many years Ezra took the responsibility to rebuild the temple. Fourteen years later

Nehemiah rebuilt the wall with a slogan. Come, let us rebuild. 400 years passed away.

Jesus was born as the promised Messaiah, died on the cross, and sinners would be

redeemed through His blood only.

A new church was born on the pentecost day when the power of the Holy spirit

touched them.

To learn about Israel is a blessing to all of us.

Dr. Deva S. Dandala

Editor, Spandana

P.O.Box 415,

Vijayawada-2, A.P., INDIA

102

103

ALL ABOUT THE HOLY LAND

T

he Holy Land is a unique and beautiful land, rich with variety of historical,

archaeological and religious sites. Visitors are charmed by its sweeping vistas, hospitality of

its citizens and inspirational images. This country is an enchanting mixture of ancient and

modern.

In the holy land, you can experience the special thrill of walking in the foot steps of the

Bible characters. Abraham roamed these sites four thousand years ago. About three thousand

years have gone by since king David reigned here but for Christians follow the steps of Jesus

in the Holy land constitute its ultimate moment.

In these regions Jesus the son of God was born. Here he grew in wisdom and stature.

Here he was crucified. Here God raised him from the dead. We can see the divisions as

three regions. North, center and South. In the Northern and Central regions, Jesus visited

Jerusalem, sacred city and it is the Soul of the country. Southern areas are included because

of its significance to patriarchs, prophets and kings of Judah.

104

This book will unlock the message

of the Bible and engage your mind and

heart in the Wonderful world in which

Jesus lived. We believe that this book is

special as it describes the facts of the

ministry of our Lord with the sites that

recall his work & adds a rich new

understanding to the meaning of the work

of Jesus of Nazareth we trust it will also

bring back many pleasant memories for

those who visited the lands of the Bible.

This land is unlike any other. This region

has been called by various names such as Canaan, Palestine and new Israel in Biblical times.

It was considered to be the center of the world and for three monotheistic religious Judaism,

Christianity and Islam.

It has been the focal point of their respective religious beliefs. Jewish people are still

waiting for the messiah. For Christians, the new testment is the fulfillment of the Old Testament

and the messiah that is spoken of in the Old Testament has indeed become a reality in the

person of Jesus Christ. For Islam on the other hand was founded in 6 AD by the Prophet

Mohammed & both play an important role in this land. For Jews this land was predestined

long ago by God. God also made them the chosen people, through Abraham and his descendants.

For Christians this land is the cradle of Christianity for it was here that Jesus was born, lived

dead & resurrected.

PHYSICAL FEATURES

1.The holy land is a region situated in the Middle East on the southeast shore of the

Mediteranion.

105

4.Its eastern boundaries are the Jordan River and Jordan proper.

5.It Southern boundary is Egypt.

6.The Holy land has three principal plains going North to South.

The coastal plain, the central plain and the Jordan Valley.

HISTORY

CEMENTRY OF ANCIANT JEWS

1.Palestine was the cross road of international highways which linked the super powers of

different areas such as Egypt and Mesopotamia in 4000 B.C. and Greece and Rome

from 300 BC to 300 A.D.

2.It was also the land bridge

where great trade took place with

Pompey’s invasion of the

Holy land in 64 BC until the

destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD

by Titus.

3. The land was ruled by the Romans

as a depending of Roman state.

4. During Herod the great region (4

BC to 37 A.D.) the country

prospered. He built the temple of Jerusalem, theaters in Caesarea and fortress and places

such asMassada, Cyprus and the Herodium.

5.After Herod’s death, Samaria and Judea were put under direct Roman rule and Galilee

was given to his son Herod Antipas.

During the time of Jesus birth, Emperor Augustus was reigned and the next Roman

Emperor Tiberius Caesar (14-37 AD) ruled while Jesus was a teenager and an adult. It was

Pontius Pilate the Roman procurator who presided at the trial of Jesus.

106

New Testament alone mentions 26

healing ‘miracles, 9 nature miracles with

over 32 parables.

LET THE BIBLE BE YOUR GUIDE

Trip to Israel is like leafing through

the pages of a living Bible. Illustrations you

GOD GAVE LAW THROUGH MOSES

can’t see anywhere else on earth. You can

see your favorite passages come to life. Visit the domed church on the shore of the Sea of

Galilee, traditional site of the Sermon on the Mount: “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs.

Travel through Judea to Jericho, the River Jordan, and Bethlehem, birth place of David. You

can still visit the grotto where Mary placed the infant Jesus because “there was no room for

them at the inn.” From there, a seven-minute drive (an hour by donkey) will bring you to the

gates Zion, walk around her, counting her towers of admiring her walls, reviewing her places..

“(Psalms 48:12). Page by page, town by town, you’ll Re-live Biblical epics. And you’ll follow

the words of Jesus and His disciples, “through the cities and the villages, teaching and

journeying...” (Luke 13:22). Come to Israel, You won’t need to buy a guide book because

you’ve already got the best one ever written the Holy Bible.

JESUS

The Northen Regions of the holy land flow with many steams, contain rich vegetation and

are filled with a host of hidden, natural treasures. They offer numerous archaeological sites

and execiting views.

1.During much of the year they are covered by a carpet of flowers, a rain bow of colors

was in full bloom.

2.These regions contain much of the Holy Lands fresh water of the Sea of Galilee the

Basalt of Golan heights and the lofty peak of Mount Hermon raise to the east.

3.The charming land scopes of Galilee extend west to Mediterranean Sea hiding between

the mountains are fertile. Hula valley and Jordan River.

107

5. South of the Northern Region raises Mount Gilboa with its special vistas.

6. The Jezreel valley is also remarkable.

The Holy Land tour

1.In the Old Testament those who love Jerusalem are blessed. (Psalm 137: 5, 6) It is

only because of King David.

2.All over the world, Jerusalem is famous for its Glory for King David’s regime. More

persecutions were done so many returned to this place.

3.In modern town like Tel Aviv above the population is 1, 53,800. The reason for their

return to their place is that God had a specific plan of His own.

Brief History of Israel : Many prophecies were declared by many that Jesus Christ

would born as a King of Jews. Many were fulfilled. (Luke 21:28, Mathew 24: 22, 33)

The people of Israel were compared to fig

trees. In Hosea, it was compared to vineyard.

Joel 1:7, Mark 11:11, Luke 13:6, Isaiah 5:7.

1. Jews were loved by God Before Christ

was born 600 prior to that, Ezekiel prophesied

in 37:1. Vision of dry bones. So now the Israel

people are being benefited by receiving

benefits from Government regarding education

MAIN PLACES OF JERUSALEM

and living.

2. In 3000 B.C. many forgot the language of Hebrew. (Jeremiah 31:23). It was national

language. After 2000 years were passed Hebrew language was reviewed as national language.

According to Mathew 17:27. Shekel is now being used as currency including.

3.In 1935-1945 German Nazi Dictator Adolph Hitler’s Cruel treatment was remarkable during

Second World War. From the world history 60,00,000 Jews were completely perished only by

letting all in a dark place without air provision, poisonous snakes, gases were sent to destroy

108

them. According Ezekiel 37:11 they were like

dry bones. With in one hour, 10 Lakhs of

Israelites soldiers walked on the roads to fight

for their country. In modern Israel cultivation

of land by new procedures made a wonderful

yield with green beauty allover now.

4.All that happened is only based on the

Biblical truths Ezekiel 37:19, 38:1. “Japan &

Israel will be one “The dead will be raised”.

This is the only blessed hope for all Christians.

In Jesus all of us have a blessed hope of meeting him. Now the country Gogu represents

Russia. All the Jews will come back to Israel.

Proof of God’s prophecy

1)In 1982 Jews population were 24,000 only.

2)In 1914 during First World War, they were 85,000.

3)In 1927, 1, 50,000 Jews living in Palestine.

4)By 1947 Jews increase in number they were 6, 26,000.

Isaiah 43:5, 6. “I will establish and spread your Kingdom was fulfilled as with the help of

British, Germany, Australia and people of Italy helped the Jews to return to their own land.

a)By 1953 the population of Jews increased to 50% as 87% of Eastern nations and Europe

and oriental nation helped 10% for their return.

b)From the West people from Libya came back too many people are from Tunis, Algeria

and Latin Americans.

c)From North Czechoslovakia Europe, Turkey, and Bulgaria too people came.

109

d) From South Yemen from old South Arabia

1, 48,000 Jews, Muslims dominated and

humiliated Jews to suffer. Out of 10 members

of Jews eight were died without proper shelter

Huge flames spread allover the place.

On second day in old city of Jerusalem the

wailing wall many were gathered. In 1897, the

hope of the people was strong by Israel that

time. Israel Chief came closet the original wall

of the temple and said “This is a great day that

many did not see.

3.After two days soldiers of Jordon entered

in Jordan River, coastal area, who were chased

by their enemies. Then the mighty people of

God, Israelites came forward with great

courage like those in Joshua time reached the place of the Dead Sea. Then Arabs started

cease fire Russians provided three billion worth of weapons and reached Sinai desert area.

After that the blessing of God was visible as they fought and got their place to live. That is

independence for Israel.

The reasons that how they got victory in 6 day war. The victory of 6 days war was the

victory of god's people who believe in God’s promises.

1.Israelites fought for their own land. They were humiliated by their enemies for 1900

years. They did not have shelter. Now they enjoy the land of milk and honey. As we see the

beauty of Israel one cannot describe the green and fertile land.

2.Israel people fought for their victories in their lives. They strongly decided to drive the

enemies always at any cost.

3.The strong hand that gave victory for Israel people only gave them that victory for sure.

The British Chief was a native of Zion. He had the great foundation and had great faith in

God. He only taught many techniques in the army lives. His name was Orde Wingale. Then

110

with creative skill he did his job. Next, the

general of Israel was Moshe Dayan admired

the Chief as a great teacher “If 100 people

happen to fight with 3 men. Each man will be

equal to 50 people. All were reminded about

Gideon from Judges.

THE REASONS FOR THEIR SUCCESS

WAS BASED ON SOME VALUES

1. Israel people pre planned how to attack

the enemy in a systematic way.

2. People of Israelis 8% were well trained

and separated only to face the trial when

needed.

3. Within 21 hours they placed themselves

in such a way to capture the citadel, and to make enemies to sink down. God’s hand was with

Israelites. Aluf Shalomeo Gorem the Chief prayed a special prayer after good preparation.

He just followed the principle of Jehoshapathe how he did by encouraging to praise and

worship by keeping humble mind, "You are our refuse in times of trouble". They believed all

the promises from the Bible (Psalms 20:34, 35: 1, 2, 83: 2; 3, 14 to 16).

According to the generals of Zion, at first Egypt people surrendered to Israelites. Every

body feared, and then a person with white dress came close to him. Everybody saw it.

Then, Egyptians ran from that place. All people heard a great sound of bomb blast no body

were injured.

Then the soldier became a strong believer gave witness about his faith in God. The

treasures of Israel were preserved and saved. Israel city was handed over to only Jews. The

Glory was recovered after 1900 years. Every one got the self confidence. “If anybody can

raise a hand against Israelm, then the foot of the enemy will be ready from Israelites to attack

back. The wonder of wonders is that only two and a half (2 1/2) million people of Jews

attacked the enemies. But the Arabs were 80 million.

111

The great promise was fulfilled Mathew 8:23 we will come with you ‘God’s presence will

go with you’ wherever you go.

ISRAEL IN THE PAST:

Israel is a promised country where the eye of God is always on them since 2000 BC.

1. At first God called Abraham from Ur. He asked Abraham to depend on Him to follow God.

Genesis 12:1-3.Abraham got promised son Isaac, and from him had Jacob who was father of

12 sons who were non Isralites. God blessed the 12 tribes of Israel saved from poverty Joseph

was chosen by God to uplift the lives of his brothers. They stayed for complete 400 years in

Egypt. They were 3 millions.

2.Moses comes next to be remembered for his meekness and to be the leader for Israelites.

3.In 1451 BC Joshua was the leader next to Moses to lead the people to canan. He too

faced opposition. During 450 yeas many judges took the responsibility for the people of God,

Israelites. (Acts 13:20). In 1040 B.C. Saul became the first King of Jews. IN 1010 BC,

David defeated Goliath against Philistines.

4.David son Solomon built the temple of God when David arranged everything for his son

to take complete responsibility. Solomon’s son Rehabam, time of his reigning in 922 BC, the

twelve tribes were divided into ten plus two tribes.

112

5.In 722 BC the Assyrians were caught hold of Amorites. The two tribes belonged to

southern part and in 600 BC. There were captured by enemies.

a). Three kinds of Jews pilgrimaged from Babylon to Judah. In 536 BC, the first group was

taken care by Jerubbabel.

OLD MONASTRERY AT HILL

113

b)After 78 years Ezra took the

responsibility to build the temple of God.

After 14 years, Nehemiah; started with third

batch and he rebuilt the wall “Come, let us

rebuild” was the golden slogan. All the above

leaders with a burning zeal and love for God

did great things for God’s Family we can

see 400 silent years and no property was

given, they say it. Finally in 33 AD our Lord

and Saviour Jesus Christ died on the cross.

↑ Back to top